Citrus Lavender Aperol Spritz

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Meet your new favorite cocktail: the Citrus Lavender Aperol Spritz. This vibrant, floral twist on a classic spritz is perfect for sunny afternoons or cozy evenings. It’s refreshing, aromatic, and oh-so-easy to whip up.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, tart, and bitter flavors.
  • Eye-catching presentation with simple garnishes.
  • Quick to make — ready in less than 5 minutes.
  • Uses easily available ingredients.
  • Great for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

3 oz Aperol
3 oz sparkling wine (Prosecco recommended)
2 oz club soda
1 oz fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz lavender syrup
Ice cubes
Lemon wheel for garnish
Lavender sprig for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by filling a large wine glass with plenty of ice cubes. You want it nice and cold to keep your drink refreshing. Pour in 3 ounces of Aperol and let it settle over the ice. Next, add 3 ounces of sparkling wine, like Prosecco, right on top. Watch that beautiful fizz! Then, pour in 2 ounces of club soda for a bit more sparkle and a lighter feel. Finally, add 1 ounce of fresh lemon juice for that citrusy kick.

Now, for the floral touch: drizzle in 0.5 ounces of lavender syrup. Grab a spoon and gently stir everything together — just a few turns to blend the flavors without losing too much fizz. Finally, garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender for a pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing taste and delightful presentation!

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill your sparkling wine and Aperol beforehand for an extra cold cocktail.
  • If you prefer a stronger lavender flavor, adjust the syrup to taste but start with 0.5 ounces to avoid overpowering the drink.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, replace Aperol with a non-alcoholic bittersweet aperitif and sparkling wine with sparkling water.

Serving Suggestions

This Citrus Lavender Aperol Spritz pairs wonderfully with light appetizers like bruschetta, caprese salad, or prosciutto-wrapped melon. It’s also a fantastic cocktail for a garden party or a laid-back brunch. Serve it in clear glasses to showcase its vibrant color and garnishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this spritz ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh to maintain the bubbles, but you can prep the garnishes and measure the ingredients in advance.
What if I can't find lavender syrup?
Try making your own by infusing simple syrup with dried culinary lavender or substitute with another floral syrup like elderflower.

Ingredients Explained

Aperol is the backbone of this cocktail, offering its signature bittersweet orange flavor. Sparkling wine, ideally Prosecco, brings effervescence and a touch of elegance. Club soda lightens the mix, making it even more refreshing. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty note that complements the bitter Aperol. The lavender syrup infuses a floral aroma, elevating the drink to a sensory delight. Finally, ice cubes chill the drink, while the lemon wheel and lavender sprig add a decorative finish.

Simplified Instructions

1. Fill a large wine glass with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the Aperol followed by the sparkling wine.
3. Add club soda and fresh lemon juice to the mixture.
4. Drizzle in the lavender syrup and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a sprig of lavender.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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